Family Law Concentration

The Concentration in Family Law exposes students to the breadth of this area of law while affording opportunities for in-depth engagement with topics of particular interest. Qualification for the Family Law Concentration is based on successful completion of (A) three core doctrinal courses, (B) an experiential learning component, and (C) a substantial writing project.

an externship, practicum, or clinic substantially related to family law.

(C) The Concentration’s writing requirement may be satisfied by completing a paper for any seminar,* regardless of subject matter, so long as the paper relates directly to family law. Alternatively, this requirement may be satisfied by completing an independent study project that culminates in a paper relating directly to family law. In order to qualify for this Concentration, a paper’s substantiality and relevance to family law are to be determined solely by a Director of the Family Law Concentration. Students interested in the Family Law Concentration are strongly encouraged to consult with the Concentration Director(s) when choosing a paper topic.

* Seminars that typically furnish excellent opportunities to write on a subject related to family law include:

Gender, Sexuality, & Law

Law & Procreation

Religion & Law

Reproductive Rights & Reproductive Justice

Twentieth-Century American Legal History

Requirements for students who matriculated before Fall 2018

Students who matriculated before Fall 2018 may receive a Certificate in Family Law if they satisfy EITHER the requirements above OR the Concentration's "old" requirements:

1. Three core doctrinal courses: (1) Family Law; (2) Domestic Violence Law; and (3) Children & the Law or Child Welfare Law.

3. 9 additional credits of coursework related to Family Law. Students seeking a Certificate in Family Law may inquire at any time with the Concentration's Directors about a course's satisfaction of this requirement. Otherwise the Directors will make this determination in Spring 2020 upon review of transcripts for any student who has taken the three core doctrinal courses.